Melaka and Johor Bahru

Johor:

Known as the southern gateway, Johor is the third largest state in peninsular Malaysia. Covering an area of 19,984 sq. km. at the sourthern part of the peninsular, it is bounded by the states of Pahang to the north, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan to the west, and the Straits of Johor to the south.

A causeway carrying a road and a railway line connects the state capital, Johor Bahru, to Singapore; making the state highly accessible from Singapore. Boat services also connect various points along the Johor River to Changi in Singapore.

Johor is one of the most developed states in the country, and its economy is based on a mix of agriculture, manufacturing commerce and tourism. It is a prime producer of rubber, oil palm and pineapple. Pepper is also cultivated on a large scale. It also has a timber and wood-based industry. Bauxite is another product derived from Pengerang. Its new port at Pasir Gudang on the Straits of Johor is fast developing into an important international port.

The rich mix of culture is reflected in the various places of worship - the magnificent mosques, temples and churches existing side by side. It is also evident in the various foods and local delicacies, the colourful and enchanting costumes, festivals, ceremonies and rituals. Most festivals are based on the various religions practiced here although some are also culturally derived. Whatever their origin, these festivals afford the visitors an interesting and colourful insight into the multifaceted culture that can be traced back to the history of the state.

Malacca (Melaka):

Malacca is a quaint, 600 year old city of living history. As one of the first European settlements in the Far East, you will find traces of its rich Portugese, Dutch and British Colonial past. Located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, about 14 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur, is a state hailed by historians as the place where Malaysia's rich history can be traced. Malacca spans 1, 658 sg. km., and is divided into three main districts, Central Malacca, Alor Gajah and Jasin.

It was founded by exiled prince from Sumatra, Parameswara, in 1400. It thrived as a port-of-call to many a ship and merchant from China, India, Arab and South America. In 1511 it fell to the hands of the Portuguese followed by the Dutch in 1641 after fierce battle. In 1795 Malacca was given to the British to prevent it falling to the French when the Netherlands was captured during the French Revolution. It was returned to the Dutch in 1818 under the Treaty of Vienna but was later exchanged by the British for Bencoleen, Sumatra. From 1826 onwards it was ruled by English East India Company in Calcutta together with Singapore and Penang under Straits Settlement administration. After World War II, anti-colonial sentiment bred in the country among the nationalists, the result of which the proclamation of independance was signed.

Melaka(Malacca)City
Melaka(Malacca), is Malaysia's most historically interesting city, and has been the site of some dramatic events over the years. The complete series of European incursions into Malaysia - Portuguese, Dutch and English - occurred here. Yet this was an important trading port long before the first Portuguese adventurers set foot in the city.

Melaka became a sleepy backwater, but it is now stirring from its slumber. New waterfront developments on reclaimed land have seen historic areas retreat inland, while construction of an artificial island, Pulau Melaka, just off the new shoreline has turned Melaka into a beach resort.

Despite modernisation, it's still a place of intriguing Chinese streets, antique shops, old temples and cemeteries, and reminders of former European colonial powers.

Jan-Dec: Average temp 30C during the day and 22C during the night.
Sep-Nov: Rainy season on West Coast.
Nov-Mar: Rainy season on East Coast.